Attorney Josh Kolsrud Weighs in on the Aftermath of Karen Read’s Acquittal and Property Disputes

The recent acquittal of Karen Read in the high-profile case involving the death of Boston police officer John O’Keefe brought national attention to both the criminal justice process and the challenges defendants face even after a "not guilty" verdict. In the wake of her acquittal, Read and her legal team have requested the return of key personal property—including her 2021 Lexus SUV and cell phones—which were seized during the investigation.

Criminal defense attorney Josh Kolsrud was invited to share his expert opinion on CourtTV regarding the legal and practical hurdles Read now faces. His analysis sheds light on the complex landscape that defendants must navigate even after their day in court.

Why Is Karen Read Still Waiting for Her Property?

During the interview, Josh Kolsrud quickly addressed one of the most pressing questions: why hasn’t Karen Read’s property been returned? Despite the obligation for law enforcement to return seized property once its evidentiary value has lapsed, Kolsrud pointed out several reasons for the ongoing delay:

• Ongoing Investigations: “The prosecutors may be holding on to it because there are additional investigations. Also, there’s a civil lawsuit, a wrongful death lawsuit, and there could be a chain of custody issue with that lawsuit.”
• Potential New Charges: He noted that authorities could continue investigating related issues—such as obstruction of justice—including whether third parties manipulated crime scene evidence.
• Evidentiary Concerns: The SUV and cell phones could still be subject to forensic review, particularly to address claims made during the criminal trial about possible manipulation or tampering.

The Importance of Communication—And the Danger of Poor Optics

Beyond the technical and procedural justifications, Kolsrud highlighted a critical issue: the lack of communication between prosecutors and Karen Read’s defense team.

“What doesn’t look good, obviously, is the prosecution not communicating to the defense because it just looks like they’re doing exactly what the defense was telling everybody they were doing, which is making this stuff up as they were going along and now they’re just playing a sore loser.”

This lack of transparency risks fueling perceptions of impropriety or prosecutorial overreach—especially in a case already marked by public scrutiny and claims of mishandled evidence. For defendants, defense counsel, and the broader justice system, clear and consistent communication is not only a matter of courtesy but also crucial for maintaining public trust.

What Happens Next for Karen Read’s Property?

As Kolsrud explained, returning seized property can become complicated when concurrent civil lawsuits or ongoing investigations exist. Even a not-guilty verdict doesn’t necessarily guarantee an immediate return. The defense’s request for judicial intervention—asking the court to order the property’s release—is a common and necessary next step when informal requests are ignored.

As for what Karen Read should do with the vehicle and other items if they are returned, Kolsrud’s insights reflect the difficult reality: “Everyone knows the story. Everyone watched the trial.” In high-profile cases, personal property—just like the person acquitted—may remain a symbol in the court of public opinion, regardless of a legal resolution.

Conclusion: Defending Your Rights Post-Trial

Josh Kolsrud’s analysis underscores that the fight for fairness doesn’t always end at acquittal. Defendants—and their attorneys—must remain vigilant to ensure property rights are respected and reputations are restored. If you or a loved one is facing criminal allegations or dealing with post-trial complications, trust the experience and advocacy of the team at Kolsrud Law Offices.

Contact us today for a confidential consultation and the skilled legal guidance you deserve.